Draft Primer: Michael Carter-Williams

Regarded as one of the top college players in the country, Carter-Williams now has set his eyes on the NBA. His former coach shares his vision of Carter-Williams inside.

As the NBA season comes to a close, there is little time to turn around before the league's draft knocks on your door.

On Thursday, June 27th, beginning at 7pm ET, the NBA will hold their yearly opportunity to help players realize their professional dreams in the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, for the first time.

Hopeful of his name being called not only in the draft, but early, is Syracuse Orange alum Michael Carter-Williams. He is in numerous mock drafts as a member of the lottery.

"Well the future's unlimited for Michael," said Syracuse head coach Jim Boeheim.

Standing at 6'6" has been beneficial for Carter-Williams, especially against teams like the Indiana Hoosiers who had guards four to six inches shorter than him. But Boeheim does not view Carter-Williams' size as the main focus. "His size is important, not that important, it'll help him, but his quickness is great, his speed is very good, his toughness, he uses both hands. He sees the game. He understands the game. All those things are gonna help him."

"His shooting is getting better, will get better," Boeheim added. This has been an area of struggle for Carter-Williams, who made less than 40% of his total attempts, connecting on less than 30% of his tries from three-point range.

Nevertheless, "He should have a long career in the NBA," according to Boeheim.

Boeheim added that Carter-Williams is a "good defensive player, up in the top of the country in steals" as well as "top of the country in assists."

"[He] really had a tremendous year, especially for a guy who didn't get much time as a freshman," Boeheim offered.

In his short collegiate career with Syracuse University, Carter-Williams went from the fourth option at point guard to the starter at that position from his freshman season to his sophomore campaign.

When asked if he was happy with Carter-Williams' progress from his first to his second season, Boeheim responded, "There's no question. You take a guy that didn't play and then it's his freshman year really [in 2012-13], he takes his team to the Final Four as the point guard. Not many can do that, not many freshman have done that, and not many ever will."